Submitted 1 August 2019
Poor recycling behaviour and contamination at South Waikato recycling drop-off zones cost ratepayers $58,000 last financial year.
“Taking care to recycle properly is everyone’s responsibility,” said Council’s Senior Contracts Engineer Phil Burt. “Since 1 July, we have removed a significant amount of contamination from the containers at our five recycling drop-off zones.”
Two weeks ago someone put an entire couch in the recycling container in Tīrau. And earlier this week at the Tokoroa landfill site, contractors and Council staff were astounded at the contents of the recycling container marked for Clear Glass Only.
“You could hardly see any clear glass because of all the other products that were in there, including plastic bottles, soft plastic packaging, tin foil, aluminium cans, cardboard, take-out packaging, a wooden crate, polystyrene, clothing and even an old boot,” continued Mr Burt.
Some of these items are recyclable – like the plastic (1) bottle, the aluminium cans and the cardboard, but need to be put in the correct container that is clearly marked.
But some items are not recyclable and need to go into the rubbish, such as polystyrene, clothing, boots, take-out packaging and wood. These items do not belong at our recycling stations.
“Consumers simply have to think about the full life of the waste they produce,” continued Mr Burt. “It is important to think beyond when it leaves your hand.” ENDS. Words: 225
